Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr.

Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr., as secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety effective Nov. 1, 2021. Secretary Buffaloe has served as a law enforcement officer for the past 30 years and serves as the sole representative on the governor’s cabinet for the state’s law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, and emergency management responsibilities. Buffaloe oversees the state’s homeland security coordination and serves as Governor Cooper’s Homeland Security Advisor. The department has more than 21,000 sworn law enforcement and civilian employees, along with more than 13,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen.

Prior to his appointment, he worked a dual role as Elizabeth City’s interim city manager and director of the Elizabeth City Department of Public Safety. Buffaloe also served as the past president of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.

Buffaloe’s work in various law enforcement and public safety capacities across the state have included police chief, sheriff's office, a correctional officer in the North Carolina Department of Correction, and as a law enforcement instructor for the North Carolina Training and Standards Commission. Buffaloe also served in the North Carolina National Guard for 10 years.

Buffaloe holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Mount Olive, a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Grand Canyon University, and numerous law enforcement and public safety certifications.